(3) YA Oxford Portraits series. This biography foregrounds Franklin's inventiveness, which he used not only to operate a profitable print shop and understand lightning but also to design and implement strategies for uniting the colonies, gather French support for the American cause, and negotiate peace with England. Black-and-white period illustrations and excerpts from Franklin's writing extend the respectful and generally clear text. Directory, reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Religion in American Life series. With only minor revisions in the text, sidebars, and black-and-white photos, this edition remains a clearly written survey of the history of church-state legal issues in America. The chapters on the colonies, the founding of the country, and the nineteenth century are unchanged; chapters on the twentieth century and the future are only minimally updated. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Oxford Portraits series. The author has drawn much of his information from Williams's own writings in this biography that is very academic and a bit tedious at times. The volume goes beyond its subject's life and delves into greater issues of the times: religious freedom, tensions between Native Americans and the colonies, and the colonies' dependence on England. Black-and-white photos and archival drawings accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) YA Religion in American Life series. The historical overview traces conflicts between religion and government from the colonization of the country through the twentieth century. The text, illustrated with black-and-white photographs, discusses issues that continue to provoke debate, including school prayer, the teaching of creationism, and employees' religious liberties. Citing court cases for support, the text is objective and thoughtful. A chronology is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta